John Robert Gray

On Saturday, August 30, 2025, John Robert Gray (85) passed away at home surrounded by love. He was born in Olney on January 8, 1940, to Charles Christopher Gray and his wife Irene (Helpingstine) Gray.

John married the love of his life, Norreta Hodge, on November 25, 1962, in Sumner. They had three children, David, Jana, and Valerie. For 62 years, John and Norreta raised their children, enjoyed their grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and made many beautiful memories.

He was a husband, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, brother, friend, and an educator…just to name a few of the roles his life encompassed. Many throughout our community taught with him and were taught by him. He took great pride in being a teacher. He also was a member of the First United Presbyterian Church of Bridgeport.

After graduating from Bridgeport Township High School, he earned an Associate's Degree from Vincennes University and a Bachelor's Degree for Eastern Illinois University in Elementary Education. He taught for one year in Mattoon. He then taught for the Red Hill School District for more than 30 years until his retirement. He truly touched and affected innumerable lives.

He was a member of the former Lion's Club and the Red Hill Bantam Club. John coached 5th and 6th grade basketball, was the Red Hill High School Junior Varsity basketball coach, and coached Little League baseball for the Union team. After his retirement, he enjoyed spending time fishing, gardening, camping (especially going to the Palestine Labor Day festivities), woodworking, and going to crafting shows with Norreta for 15 years.

John's legacy is carried on through: his wife- Norreta Gray of Sumner; one son- David Gray and wife Robyn of Bridgeport; one daughter- Jana Gray and Doug Knoblett of Palestine; three brothers- Tom Gray of Vincennes, IN, Ron Gray and wife Teri of Dadeville, AL, and Don Gray and wife Jane of Sumner; seven grandchildren- Chaney Burmeister, Lexie McCammon, Tanner Gray, Chloe Brookhart, Sophia Brookhart, Mallory Stevens, and Savanna Stevens; four great-grandchildren- Stella Burmeister, Krue Burmeister, Ellie Gray, and Lincoln Szudy.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one daughter, Valerie Gray Stevens.

A visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, September 5, 2025, at the Cunningham Funeral Home in Bridgeport.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or to the Lawrence County Cancer Resource Center and Wig Shoppe. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.cunninghamfuneralhomes.com.